Welcome to the Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the NJ Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
Our next dinner meeting will be Thursday, March 12th at Fred & Ethels in Smithville. Our speaker for the evening will be Clark McCullough – NJSSAR. Clark’s presentation for the evening will be “Benedict Arnold Patriot & Turncoat”.
RSVP: secretary@colrichardsomers.com
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Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade
Our February speaker was Tim Hart- Ocean County Historian- Division Director Ocean County Cult. & Heritage Com.- Ocean County Parks. Back by popular demand, Tim reprised his presentation of “The Great LBI Whale Explosion of 1959”.
We regret to announce the passing of our gracious host, Anthony Coppola, on January 1, 2026.
Ocean County launches America 250 Website
At our first meeting of 2026 we inducted three new compatriots to our ranks: Keith Cooper – Patriot Malachi Cooper, Gary Gandolfi – Patriot Elisha Ransom and Jack Russell – Patriot James Rix
Compatriot Joseph Latshaw- President of the Ocean County Historical Society, gave a presentation on “The History of the Old Methodist Cemetery, Toms River- Its Revolutionary War Veterans and Preservation Efforts”.
At our November meeting Horace Somes gave a presentation on “Pinelands Cranberries Then & Now.
Chapter President Mike Mangum represented the Chapter at the most recent Ocean County America 250 Event. A short video of the NJSSAR Color Guard retiring the Colors may be viewed here.
Pinelands Cranberries Then & Now
Compatriot Frank Tomasello portraying Zephaniah Steelman
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At our October meeting John Ryan, COO of Historic Cold Spring Village, gave an informative Briefing on the Battle of Turtle Gut.
The following weekend chapter members supported the Greater Egg Harbor Township Historical Society in honoring the 11 Revolutionary Patriots interred at Old Zion United Methodist Church.
John Ryan – The Battle of Turtle Gut
2026 Dues Form
On October 4, 2025 we gathered along with the Gen. Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR, to commemorate the Anniversary of the Battle of Chestnut Neck. Dignitaries in attendance were Atlantic County Commissioner John Risley and Port Republic Mayor Nikki Giberson. Following the ceremony we proceeded to the Smith Burial Ground were we dedicate the Pomeroy Plaque commemorating the service of Jonas Morse and Micajah Smith.
On Saturday, Sept 27th, we formally dedicated the Pomeroy Plaque commemorating the service of Ensign Henry Young. The Service Video may be viewed below and the full gallery may be viewed here.
AMERICA 250 3rd BATTALION PROJECT
At our September meeting we were visited by NJSSAR President, Chris Sands. Chris awarded Veteran’s America 250 Coins to those Vets in attendance and encouraged the membership to remain active in the recruitment of new compatriots. Chapter President, Mike Mangum unveiled our new Chapter Flag. Our featured speaker, Robert Cobb, author of Privateers and Pine-Robbers, Coastal New Jersey During the American Revolution, gave a presentation on some of the less savory exploits of “Privateers” during the revolution.
Cobb Presentation
Book
